Academic Programs and University Events
UTSA hosts a number of academic programs and annual events to generate scholarship, awareness and pride regarding our Hispanic communities and history.
Academic Programs
Prefreshman Engineering (PREP)
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) is an academically rigorous mathematics-based summer enrichment program conducted at several college and university campuses in San Antonio, as well as, across the State of Texas and nation. PREP identifies middle and high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and helps prepare those students for advanced studies and careers in those fields.
Department of Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This new academic department, established in the College of Education and Human Development in 2019, elevates and provides sustained funding for several academic program areas including African American Studies, Mexican American Studies, and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies to better promote equity and intellectual dialogue, better preparing students for the issues society faces.
Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic Serving Institutions
This program, funded by the National Science Foundation, improves student success and diversity of students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Latino Health Research Initiative
This dedicated group of researchers, based in the Department of Psychology, develop grant proposals and conduct theory-driven research on pressing Latino health issues.
Latino-Teacher Academy Learning Community
The Latino-Teacher Academy Learning Community, a UTSA-Northwest Vista College partnership, provides a smooth transition for teacher candidates from Northwest Vista College to UTSA, increase Hispanic teacher graduation rates, and to ultimately diversify the teacher pipeline.
Mexican American Studies Program
UTSA’s Mexican American Studies degree program draws on the legacy of Mexican American history and activism to teach, research and analyze its cultural origins and experiences.
University Events
César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta March
UTSA is partnering with the César E. Chávez Legacy & Educational Foundation for the 25thanniversary of the march in 2021.
Día de los Muertos
UTSA Intercultural Programs hosts an annual opportunity for student organizations and departments to set up altar displays in a prominent location in the Student Union throughout the week. On the day of Día de los Muertos, a presentation is offered to talk about the history and the significance of the day and the tradition. Additionally, each Fall, the Honors College offers a class that is centered on Día de los Muertos. One of the class projects includes an exhibit at the Institute of Texan Cultures.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Calle UTSA, a UTSA signature event held each September, celebrates Hispanic heritage with a street fair atmosphere with performances, activity tables and food.